Coventry Bees star Billy Janniro will not face charges on suspicion of a sex act with a 17-year-old girl after the case against him was dropped.

Janniro was arrested in California last month accused of a sex act with a minor (the age of consent in California is 18), and with furnishing alcohol and contributing to the delinquency of minors.

But the case against both Janniro and his friend, Brandon Dodd, was thrown out ahead of next Tuesday?s hearing, meaning Janniro doesn?t have to return to the States and can ride for the Victor Chandler Bees in Monday?s Bank Holiday meeting with Eastbourne at Brandon.

?Charges could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt,? according to a statement released by the Placer County District Attorney?s Office.

?The decision was made after a careful review of reports from the Placer County Sheriff?s Department regarding the events, after subsequent investigation and discussion with the Sheriff?s department and after interviews with the minors and their parents.?

Janniro said: ?I said all along I was innocent, and it is a big weight off my mind. It has been stressing me out and I can now get on with riding speedway.?

Bees spokesman Jeremy Heaver said: ?We are delighted with the news and it reinforces what Billy had told us - that he was innocent.?

Bees hope to have a full-strength team against Eastbourne on Monday, with Andreas Jonsson set to return after missing the last four meetings with a back injury. Jonsson and Coventry colleague Lee Richardson both line up in tonight?s Scandinavian Grand Prix at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg.